Butzbach — A Pleasant Departure From The Urban Life

Butzbach is due north of Frankfurt, but an epoch away in terms of attitude. Locals will tell you that the area has been continuously settled since 3500 B.C., which may be true, but for sure there was a Roman garrison based here in 83 A.D.

Today, the town’s pleasant, rural farming life rests in contrast to the hustle of cosmopolitan existence. The Taunus Mountains serve as a picturesque backdrop as the tranquil Wetter River winds through the sparsely populated terrain. An eleven-kilometer nature and adventure path will take you in a circle past suburban homes and valley neighborhoods to farms, forests and amphibious habitats.

— Top Areas Of Interest

The renaissance Landgrafen Castle, once used as an American garrison, now stands empty, but in the Faerbgasse district you can see the Solmser Castle. It houses the town’s local court and features a renaissance staircase that was constructed in 1588.

For the past six centuries, Weiseler Street has been the primary shopping area here. Each March, the Falsemarkt celebration is held on this street, as is the Katharine Market during October. Or you can catch the Old Town Center Festival here in early September.

See Wendlin Chapel at the south end of the shopping street. It is Hesse‘s oldest half-timbered church, established in the 15th century. Other exquisite religious structures in the area are Markus Church, circa 1500, and Michael’s Chapel, built in 1433.

The long wall between Markus Church and Hexenturm, the Witch Tower, is especially impressive, as is the old post office, decorated with carved wood. Many of the downtown buildings are four or five stories tall, built in the traditional half-timbered style.

While you are visiting, you will have the opportunity to experience local culture as well as sightseeing. Take advantage of the town’s new museum with its folklore costumes and displays of miniatures, the local theater, cabaret shows and a thriving art scene.